Help shape the future hydrogen economy by exploring the dynamic values at play in this complex transition.
Job description
The hydrogen economy is gradually materializing. What are the underlying values shaping the transition to renewable ("green") hydrogen and how can the institutional and market embedding of new hydrogen systems take these values into account? Using qualitative methodologies (interviews, desk research, field observation, and exploratory workshops), the candidate will map and analyze the principal value trade-offs at stake in the hydrogen economy and advise stakeholders on a value-sensitive upscaling and implementation of hydrogen production, storage and transport. The candidate will employ system- and discourse-analytical tools, along with institutional analysis, to map values and analyze underlying value conflicts under conditions of normative uncertainty. This activity will deliver a critical, tailor-made analytical overview of the diverse and dynamic values at stake in the future hydrogen economy and assess the extent to which these values are addressed in existing or emerging hydrogen policy, laws, and regulations. The results will be presented in a report and paper(s) on dynamic values for the hydrogen transition.
Values will be understood in a pluralistic view as situated in, and interactive with, specific institutional, geographic, market and technological contexts. The development and integration of renewable hydrogen technologies should take this into account if the ideal of "hydrogen for good" is to be realized. Yet stakeholders lack the knowledge on the relevant values and the associated integration measures/policies. In developing context-specific standards for value judgment, attention will be given to tensions arising from close interactions between society, policy, academia, and industry, such as (a) divergent value interpretations and expectations, (b) value trade-offs complicating the (re)creation of appropriate rules of the game, and (c) formal and informal stakeholder involvement in rulemaking and the (re)creation of institutional arrangements when translating values into new 'rules of the game'.
Correljé, A., Pesch, U., & Cuppen, E. (2022). Understanding Value Change in the Energy Transition: Exploring the Perspective of Original Institutional Economics. Science and Engineering Ethics, 28(6), 55. Https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-022-00403-3
Popa, E. O., & Melnyk, A. (2025). Taking value conflicts seriously: Technological pluralism as an approach to hydrogen governance. Energy Strategy Reviews, 59, 101734. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2025.101734
Rodhouse, T. S. G. H., Cuppen, E. H. W. J., Correljé, A. F., & Pesch, U. (2024). A new carrier for old assumptions? Imagined publics and their justice implications for hydrogen development in the Netherlands. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 204, 123412. Https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123412
Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher who combines an interdisciplinary background with strong collaboration and analytical skills.
The candidates with the following background and qualities are particularly encouraged to apply:
- A PhD in Energy Policy, Science and Technology Studies, Policy Sciences (including Political Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Discourse Analysis, Policy Analysis), Urban Studies, Organization and Management Studies, or another relevant interdisciplinary specialization.
- Experience with and enthusiasm for combining moral/political questions and technical knowledge of the hydrogen economy or energy transition more generally.
- Acquaintance with the energy system is considered an advantage.
- Experience in collaborating with researchers, practitioners and decision-makers who have diverse organizational and disciplinary backgrounds.
- Strong analytical skills combined with a creative and innovative approach.
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Functional command of Dutch is an advantage.
TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Technology, Policy and Management
The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.
to go to the website of the Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management.
Coming to Delft ServiceDual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
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